Dress code - what does it mean?

Probably everyone heard such term as „dress code“. When you get an invitation to a big party with important people usually there is mentioned a dress code on the invitation, such as “white tie”, “black tie”, “creative black tie”. So what do these names tell us about requirements for clothing?

White tie

“White tie” dress code or in other words “Ultra formal” invitation requires women wear long (floor length) gowns. Men need to wear black tailcoat which matches with trousers (with a single stripe of satin or braid in US; in Europe or UK – with two stripes). Men also need to wear white pique wing-collared shirt, white vest, bow tie, white or gray gloves, black socks and black patent shoes.

A “black tie optional” gives two options for men – wearing a tuxedo (as “black tie”) or dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie. A “black tie optional” means that clothing have to be formal. Women can choose between long evening gown, cocktail dress or dressy evening separate.

Creative black tie

“Creative black tie” gives room for interpretations of formal wear. Man can wear more modern clothes with tuxedo – trendy items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund. This matches with dressy black leather shoes and black socks. Woman can choose from formal evening gown or short cocktail dress and any of these two can be accessorized with a feather boa, colorful shawl or colorful jewelry. Sometimes, theme parties set “Texas Black Tie” dress code or any other variation of Creative Black Tie. Then a man can wear a tuxedo with boots, and woman can choose a long dress paired with Southwestern style jewelry and belt.

Semiformal

Semiformal dress code or in other words “After Five” tells you that it’s not required tuxedos or long evening dresses. Men can wear dark business suit, matching vest, white shirt, and tie. Ladies can choose from short afternoon dress or long dressy skirt and nice top.

Business formal

Business formal is the same as semiformal for men, but some differences are for women. They should wear more tailored dressy suit or not very sexy or slinky dresses.

Festival attire

Festival attire is mainly holiday’s time parties with informal or semiformal mood. Women need to wear short cocktail dress or long dressy skirt with top or even dressy pants outfit. Women can have some sparkle look on clothes. Men should wear seasonal sport coat or blazer any color you like, open-collar shirt and holiday-themed tie.

Dressy casual

Dressy casual is dressed-up type of casual looks. Men could wear trousers with open-collar shirt, and sport coat. For women dressy pants look is required. Street length dress, skirt and dressy top or dressy pants outfit.

Business casual

Business casual for men tells to wear seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis and matching shirt. Women need to avoid spaghetti straps and décolleté. Its good to wear skirt, khakis or slacks with shirt, knit shirt or sweater.

Sport casual

Sport casual is a casual and sport lookmatch. Men and women have same requirements - khakis or clean pressed jeans with plain tree shirt, polo shirt or casual button-down shirt.

Beach casual

Beach casual give you a right to choose between khakis or shorts, knit or polo, sport jacket or sweater for men, and for women – sundress, khakis or shorts, knit or polo shirt and lightweight jacket or sweater.

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social workers rated at 11/24/10 09:42

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LUIS rated at 10/09/08 07:52

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EXCELLENT, i think it has been really helpful
because in different countries the meaning can
chang about a dress code, and its general.

Katharina rated at 11/25/07 10:391 of 7 people found the following comment was useful

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Semi-formal actually means that a dinner jacket is
required with a traditional black tie and
cummerbund is required for gentlemen, whereas a
lady has a bit more freedom an can wear an evening
gown or evening separates (e.g., a long skirt and
dressy top). What you describe as semi-formal is
actually informal (suit and tie). Formal dress is
the equivalent of white tie and tails for
gentlemen or ball gown and gloves for ladies. The
current use of these terms is incorrect and a
clear sign that people are simply clueless about
traditional etiquette and dress codes.

Kylie rated at 10/25/07 17:550 of 3 people found the following comment was useful

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I though it was great however I am trying to work
out what "lounge suit and coctail wear" means.

james rated at 03/02/07 07:011 of 3 people found the following comment was useful

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really helpful hints and tips, gives good insight
and is really well structured!